AFC West 2009 Preview and Predictions

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers weren’t very good last year despite making the playoffs and beating the Colts in the first round at home, their only win against a team that made the playoffs last year. The Chargers benefited greatly from being the division winner of the very weak AFC West last year, and they will benefit again this year as well.
Predicted Finish: 9-7



Oakland Raiders: The Oakland Raiders will be better this year and should be within striking distance of the division title in the closing weeks of the season. The Raiders should sweep the series against both the Chiefs and the Broncos, and a split with the Chargers (which is very doable) will give them 5 wins within the division. Its not too much to ask this team to win 3 of their other games.
Predicted Finish: 8-8



Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are going to be bad this year, again. They made some positive moves in the off-season but getting rid of head coach Herm Edwards is not going to make that much of a difference when you consider the Chiefs lost their best football player in Tony Gonzalez, and acquire an unknown quantity at QB. To make matters worse, Chan Gaily was relieved of his duties as Offensive Coordinator during the preseason, and Matt Cassel has a strained MCL. Its gonna be a long year in KC.
Predicted Finish: 4-12



Denver Broncos: It is hard to imagine an organization like the Denver Broncos having the drastic fall from grace that this year’s team is going to exhibit. From the Mike Shanahan firing at the end of last year, to losing their QB, to the fiasco that is Brandon Marshall, the Broncos are a nightmare. Josh McDaniels is the new coach and is already looking to be a mistake as a choice of head coach. Belichick disciples have proven to be overrated and McDaniels is definitely doing his part to progress that fact.
Predicted Finish: 3-13

See The Dean’s NFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC East Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC East Preview and Predictions.